EDMOND, OKLAHOMA - Rangers Softball traveled to face Central Oklahoma for a mid-week doubleheader. The Rangers dropped two games to the No. 10 Bronchos 11-3 in game one and 6-3 in the second game.
FIRST GAME:
First inning at bat of the game for Northwestern was one of their most successful of the game, scoring two runs on an RBI single by Macy Spearman, sending Jaci Oakley home and Hannah Howell after an error made by Central Oklahoma.
Central Oklahoma answered back though, scoring five runs in their half of the inning, taking a 5-2 lead over the Rangers.
Second inning was a quick one for both teams, with an emphasis on Lady Rangers defense holding Central Oklahoma scoreless in the inning. Caro picked up her first strikeout of the game.
The pitching continued to control the game in the third inning as both teams retired the side in order on both sides.
Mackenzie Adams was able to add another hit to the game, doubling into right field during the fourth inning but the Rangers were not able to drive her home as the side was retired.
Central Oklahoma's offense struck again adding four more runs to their total off of five hits as they led 9-2.
Fifth inning had three hits made by Winters, Oakley, and Madeline Pack, as Winters sent the ball back up the middle picking up a single. DeTar walked and DeTar came around to score on an RBI made by Pack into center field.
After Central Oklahoma added one run in the fifth inning, the Ranger defense helepd escape the inning after the Rangers threw out a Broncho at the plate as the Rangers trailed 10-3.
Central Oklahoma extended their lead to 11-3 in the bottom of the sixth inning as the Bronchos sealed the win in six innings over the Rangers in game one.
SECOND GAME:
Pitching jumpd out fast in the sceond game as the two teams were held scoreless until the third inning.
Rangers looked to jump out fast in the second game trying to upset No.10 Central Oklahoma as two hits were made at the start of the second game by Northwestern; two singles made by Pack and Howell, however the Bronchos escaped with no runs allowed.
When it was time for them to field, they put up a defensive front early on and only allowed one hit from Central Oklahoma. DeTar played at second, securing the first out for them, before ending the first with no runs.
The only at-bat that resulted in a hit was a right field single made by Adams. Defensive stance continued however when fielding, making three great plays within the infield.
Third Inning began Northwestern's scoring run, with an impressive home run hit by DeTar, with Spearman already on base. This created a lead for Lady Rangers, 2-0. UCO answered back however with an RBI hit after the previous batter tripled to right center. They still were down one to NWOSU transitioning back into the field.
Lady Rangers were pushing to keep scoring, but they were unable to score and tie the game. Allie Hufford picked up her fourth strikeout in the fifth inning with a 2-2 tie game heading into the sixth inning.
DeTar has found a rhythm within her batting today, hitting a double during the sixth inning for Northwestern but was left on base.
UCO went on another scoring run at the bottom of the sixth, scoring four runs taking a 6-2 lead.
In the final inning of the game, Spearman hit an RBI single to right field while McElroy was on third, earning their final run of the game. Rangers brought the tying run to the plate but UCO was able to escape further damage as the Game ended 6-3 in favor of UCO.
The Lady Rangers continue their road series in Shawnee, Oklahoma playing against the Lady Bison of Oklahoma Baptist March 3rd. The game will begin at 5:00pm.
